Modern Languages Standards & Ben

Modern Languages Standards & Benchmarks

1) LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Students will understand and interpret spoken language on diverse topics, in both formal and informal situations.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean	Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean	Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean
Understand simple classroom instructions	Understand simple classroom instructions	Understand some songs and dialogues
Understand some songs and rhymes	Understand some songs and rhymes	Understand recorded voices
	Understand longer questions and instructions if they are repeated	Understand short conversations
	Understand short conversations	Understand short stories
		Understand and carry out 2 or 3 step instructions

GRADE 2 – GRADE 3

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean	Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean	Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean
Understand simple classroom instructions	Understand simple classroom instructions	Understand simple classroom instructions
Understand some songs and dialogues	Understand some songs and dialogues	Understand some songs and dialogues
Understand recorded voices	Understand recorded voices	Understand recorded voices
	Understand longer questions and instructions if they are repeated	Understand longer questions and instructions if they are repeated
	Understand short conversations	Understand short conversations
		Understand longer passages and stories at a faster speed
		Pick out the general meaning and some details of a story
		Grasp the main idea of a television program

GRADE 4 – GRADE 5

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean	Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean	Recognize some words and sentences and know what they mean
Understand simple classroom instructions	Understand simple classroom instructions	Understand simple classroom instructions
Understand some songs and dialogues	Understand some songs and dialogues	Understand some songs and dialogues
Understand recorded voices	Understand recorded voices	Understand recorded voices
Understand longer questions and instructions, if they are repeated	Understand longer questions and instructions if they are repeated	Understand longer questions and instructions
	Understand short conversations	Understand short conversations
	Pick out the general meaning of stories and some details, if the story is repeated	Pick out the general meaning and some details of a story, if the story is repeated
		Understand longer passages and stories at a faster speed
		Understand speech about the past, present or future, if repeated
		Understand speech on familiar subjects, at normal speed
		Grasp the main idea of a television program

GRADE 6 – GRADE 8

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning themselves, their family and immediate concrete surroundings	Understand most clear, standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in school, at leisure, etc.	Understand standard spoken language on familiar and unfamiliar topics, even when it is not clearly structured
Guess the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and understand sentence meaning on familiar topics	Understand the main point of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal interest when the delivery is clear and at a moderate pace	Understand broadcastings into which idiomatic expressions and slang are integrated
Follow conversations making use of visual aids or gestures	Understand extended speech and lectures and follow more complex lines of argument if the topic is reasonably familiar	Understand lectures, talks and reports in the academic field even if they are complex linguistically and in content
Understand the key points in a media presentation on topics of current and personal interest	Understand the majority of films in standard, idiomatic language

GRADE 9 – GRADE 10

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Recognize familiar words, basic phrases and expressions related to areas of immediate concern (personal information, shopping, local geography, school life)	Follow clearly articulated speech directed at them in everyday conversation	Understand standard spoken language on familiar and unfamiliar topics, even when it is not clearly structured
Guess the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and understand sentence meaning on familiar topics	Follow the main point of extended discussions, provided that speech is clearly articulated and in standard language	Understand, without much effort, broadcastings and films employing a considerable degree of slang and idiomatic language
Follow conversations in which visual clues carry much of the meaning and in which the story is straightforward and clear	Understand the main point of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal interest when the delivery is at a moderate pace and clear	Understand lectures, talks and reports in the professional or academic field even when they are complex linguistically and in content
Understand the main points in a broadcast on topics of personal interest, with a simple message	Understand extended speech and lectures and follow more complex lines of argument if the topic is reasonably familiar
	Understand the majority of films in standard, idiomatic language

GRADE 11 – GRADE 12

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Understand straightforward conversational exchanges	Have some understanding of animated conversations between native speakers as well as broadcastings containing some non- standard speech	Understand animated conversation in different styles and situations
Understand some colloquial language in social exchanges	Have an understanding of and sensitivity to the stylistic subtleties of the spoken language	Be familiar with stylistic subtleties and techniques inherent to the language
Understand the overall idea or argument of a short speech or presentation on a prescribed topic	Follow most lectures, discussions, and debates that are in standard language	Understand lectures and speeches on general, professional or academic topics

2) ORAL EXPRESSION

Students will express themselves orally, with coherence, and in a broad range of situations.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from a recording	Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from a recording	Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from the tape recorder
Get meaning across with gestures and words	Get meaning across with gestures and words	Get meaning across with gestures and words
Answer simple questions using single words	Answer simple questions using single words	Answer simple questions
	Recite short sentences and phrases from memory	Say short sentences and phrases from memory
	Take part in a short conversation of 2-3 sentences	Recite dialogues and sing songs
	Use language to express a need or to ask a question	Take part in a short conversation of 2-3 sentences
	Begin to apply a few basic grammar rules when speaking	Use language to express needs or to ask questions
		Say 3-4 sentences about oneself
		Apply previously learned phrases to create new sentences

GRADE 2 – GRADE 3

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from a recording	Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from a recording	Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from the tape recorder
Get meaning across with gestures and words	Get meaning across with gestures and words	Get meaning across with gestures and words
Answer simple questions using single words	Answer simple questions using single words	Answer simple questions
Recite short sentences and phrases from memory	Recite short sentences and phrases from memory	Say short sentences and phrases from memory
Recite dialogues and sing songs	Recite dialogues and sing songs	Recite dialogues and sing songs
Apply a few basic grammar rules when speaking	Take part in a short conversation of 2-3 sentences	Use language to express needs or to ask questions
Use language to express needs or to ask a question	Use language to express needs or to ask a question	Say 3-4 sentences about oneself
	Say 3-4 sentences about oneself	Apply basic grammar rules when speaking
	Apply a few basic grammar rules when speaking	Apply previously learned phrases to create new sentences
		Take part in a conversation of 3-4 sentences
		Start and develop a conversation, asking questions and giving opinions

GRADE 4 – GRADE 5

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from a recording	Repeat words spoken by the teacher or from a recording	Repeat words spoken by the teacher or on the tape recorder
Get meaning across with gestures and words	Get meaning across with gestures and words	Get meaning across with gestures and words
Answer simple questions using single words	Answer simple questions using single words	Answer simple questions
Recite short sentences and phrases from memory	Recite short sentences and phrases from memory	Recite short sentences and phrases from memory
Recite dialogues and sing songs from memory	Recite dialogues and sing songs from memory	Recite dialogues and sing songs from memory
Use language to express needs and ask questions	Use language to express a need or to ask a question	Use language to express a need or to ask a question memory
Apply a few basic grammar rules when speaking	Apply basic grammar rules when speaking	Apply basic grammar rules when speaking
	Take part in a short conversation of 2-3 sentences	Take part in a short conversation of 2-3 sentences
	Say 3-4 sentences about oneself	Say 3-4 sentences about oneself
		Apply previously learned phrases to create new sentences
		Take part in a conversation of 3-4 sentences
		Initiate and develop a conversation, asking questions and giving opinions
		Speak about past or future events

GRADE 6 – GRADE 8

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Ask and answer questions in areas of immediate interest or very familiar topics, such as personal identity, family relationships, homes, professions or leisure pastimes	Deal with most situations to arise while travelling in an area where the target language is spoken	Communicate clearly and effectively in a wide range of situations
Communicate in a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics	Enter unprepared into a conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest, or pertinent to everyday life such as family, travel, hobbies or current events	Express oneself fluently and spontaneously without much searching for expressions
Be comfortable in very short social exchanges	Connect phrases in a simple way to describe experiences and events	Formulate ideas and opinions with precision
	Narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe one's own reactions to the story	Take part in any kind of conversation and be familiar with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms
	Take an active part in discussions in familiar contexts	Give a clear presentation on a subject of personal interest
	Present clear, detailed descriptions of more complex subjects related to the student's interests
	Apply basic grammar rules when speaking

GRADE 9 – GRADE 10

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Interact in a simple way, provided that the interlocutor is prepared to rephrase things, speak more slowly, and help to reformulate what is trying to be said	Initiate, sustain, and close a simple, face-to-face conversation on topics that are familiar or of personal interest, such as family, travel, hobbies or current events	Communicate clearly and effectively in a wide range of situations
Ask and answer questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics	Express and respond to feelings such as surprise, happiness, sadness, interest and indifference	Express themselves spontaneously in an animated conversation with native speakers, demonstrating a degree of fluency
Use simple phrases to describe where people live	Connect phrases in a simple way to describe experiences and events	Use the language effectively and with some accuracy to discuss a wide range of general, professional or academic topics
Communicate in a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics	Relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of events (plot of a book, film, etc.) with some fluency	Formulate ideas and opinions clearly and with precision
Handle very short social exchanges, even if the student lacks the comprehension skills to sustain a conversation on his own	Take an active part in discussions in familiar contexts	Give a clearly developed presentation on a subject of personal or academic interest
Use a series of phrases to describe in simple terms family members and their relationships, living conditions, educational backgrounds and social situations	Present clear, detailed descriptions of more complex subjects related to the student's interests

GRADE 11 – GRADE 12

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Convey factual information and respond appropriately in a discussion	Communicate clearly and effectively in a wide range of situations	Communicate clearly, fluently and effectively in a wide range of situations
Use some colloquial language competently in a social exchange	Express ideas with clarity and fluency	Use the oral forms of the language accurately, in a range of styles and situations
Convey with reasonable clarity, information and attitudes in a structured presentation on a topic	Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures	Use a register and style appropriate to the situation
Respond with some sensitivity to social conventions	Contribute spontaneously to a conversation, in a register and style appropriate to the social and cultural context	Express ideas with clarity and fluency
		Structure arguments and support them with relevant examples
		Engage in a critical examination of texts in different forms, styles, techniques and registers

3) READING SKILLS

Students will fluently read, understand, and interpret written language on a variety of topics from diverse written media.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Read aloud and understand some words that have been practiced	Read aloud and understand some words that have been practiced	Read aloud and understand some words and sentences
Match some simple words and pictures	Match some simple words and pictures	Match some simple words and pictures
Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced	Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced	Read and understand short sentences
	Read some song lyrics and poems that have been practiced	Read some song lyrics and poems that have been practiced

GRADE 2 – GRADE 3

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Match some simple words and pictures	Match some simple words and pictures
Read aloud and understand some words that have been practiced	Read aloud and understand some words that have been practiced
Read some song lyrics and poems that have been practiced	Read some song lyrics and poems	Read some song lyrics and poems
Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced	Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced	Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced
Read and understand short texts	Read and understand short texts	Read and understand short texts
	Locate important facts in a short text	Locate important facts in a short text
	Read and understand longer passages from an age-appropriate reader	Read and understand longer passages from an age-appropriate reader
		Begin to read short stories previously read aloud by the teacher
		Read and understand key points in children's magazine and newspaper articles, advertisements and friendly letters

GRADE 4 – GRADE 5

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Match some simple words and pictures
Read aloud and understand some words that have been practiced
Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced	Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced	Read and understand short sentences that have been practiced
Read some song lyrics and poems	Read some song lyrics and poems	Read some song lyrics and poems
	Read and understand short texts	Read and understand short texts
	Locate important facts in a short text	Locate important facts in a short text
	Read and understand longer passages from an age-appropriate reader	Read and understand longer passages from an age-appropriate reader
		Begin to read short stories previously read aloud by the teacher
		Use clues to guess the meaning of new words
		Read and understand different texts about the past, present or future
	Read and understand key points in children's magazine and newspaper articles, advertisements and friendly letters	Read and understand children's magazine and newspaper articles, advertisements and friendly letters

GRADE 6 – GRADE 8

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Understand simple, descriptive passages
Understand short, simple personal letters
Understand basic, common language as found in catalogues, advertisements, notices and posters
Develop an awareness of and familiarity with high-frequency written expressions	Understand texts of high-frequency, everyday and more sophisticated language in which the author adopts a particular stance or a certain point of view
Find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material	Read articles and reports concerned with contemporary matters
Read and understand excerpts and condensed passages from longer material	Understand simplified versions of, or excerpts from, contemporary literary prose	Understand fairly long and demanding texts (novels, plays, poems, etc.)
	Understand descriptions of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters	Read with fluency different kinds of linguistically complex documents, such as manuals and articles of personal interest

GRADE 9 – GRADE 10

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Understand short, simple personal letters
Understand simple, descriptive passages
Understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences as in catalogues, on notices or on posters
Identify important information in simple messages or newspaper articles where numbers and names play an important role	Understand the main points in short newspaper articles and reports about current events or familiar topics
Find specific information in simple, everyday materials such as advertisements, brochures, menus and timetables	Read and sufficiently understand more sophisticated factual texts	Understand long and complex factual and literary texts
Read a very short message about a concrete event and understand what happened, when and where
	Understand simplified versions of, or excerpts from, contemporary literary prose	Read, with fluency, all forms of text, including linguistically complex documents such as manuals, articles and literary works
	Understand descriptions of feelings and wishes in personal letters
	Follow the plot of a clearly structured story	Identify different literary styles

GRADE 11 – GRADE 12

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Understand straightforward information that is explicitly stated	Identify a range of text types and register as well as rhetorical devices	Understand the written forms of the language in a wide range of styles and academic situations
Skim and extract key points from straightforward texts, including visual material and graphics	Extract information from different types of text including visuals and graphics	Identify the structural elements of a written text, such as connective devices
Distinguish between key points and supporting detail in simple texts	Deduce the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary	Identify the subtleties of technique and style employed by writers of the language
Understand some details of the studied text	Understand information and emotion that is explicitly stated or implicitly conveyed in a text
Understand some ideas implicit in the argument	Distinguish between key points and supporting details
Identify basic elements of genre, purpose and audience	Understand and analyse moderately complex written material

4) WRITTEN EXPRESSION

Students will write clearly and effectively, using a wide range of styles, forms, and registers.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Copy single words without making mistakes	Copy single words without making mistakes	Copy single words without making mistakes
Label pictures using previously learned words	Label pictures using previously learned words	Label pictures using previously learned words
Copy short phrases and sentences correctly	Copy short phrases and sentences correctly	Copy short phrases and sentences correctly
	Write 2-3 sentences in context	Write 2-3 sentences with help from books
		Spell some basic sight words

GRADE 2 – GRADE 3

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Copy single words without making mistakes	Copy single words without making mistakes
Label pictures using previously learned words	Label pictures using previously learned words	Label pictures using previously learned words
Copy short phrases and sentences correctly	Copy short phrases and sentences correctly	Copy longer phrases and sentences correctly
Write 2-3 sentences with help from books	Write 2-3 sentences with help from books	Write 2-3 sentences with help from books
Write some words and simple phrases from memory	Write some words and simple phrases from memory	Write some words and simple phrases from memory
Begin to apply phonics rules to spelling	Begin to apply phonics rules to spelling	Apply phonics rules to spelling
Apply a few basic grammar rules to written work	Apply a few basic grammar rules to written work	Apply basic grammar rules to written work
		Write single sentences from memory
		Write postcards and short messages to friends and family
		Write about likes and dislikes

GRADE 4 – GRADE 5

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Label pictures using previously learned words
Copy short phrases and sentences correctly	Copy phrases and sentences correctly	Copy words, phrases and sentences correctly
Write 2-3 sentences with help from books	Write 2-3 sentences with help from books
Begin to apply phonics rules to spelling	Begin to apply phonics rules to spelling	Apply phonics rules to spelling
Apply a few basic grammar rules to written work	Apply a few basic grammar rules to written work	Apply basic grammar rules to written work
	Write some words and simple phrases from memory	Write postcards and messages to friends and family
	Write single sentences from memory	Write sentences from memory
	Write about likes and dislikes	Write about likes and dislikes
		Write a simple personal letter about oneself, describing past and planned activities

GRADE 6 – GRADE 8

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Write notes and messages relating to matters of personal interest	Write simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest	Use the language with a good command of complex sentences, although grammatical structures may not always be used correctly
Write paragraphs about daily routines, personal experiences and impressions		Use a variety of appropriate vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
Fill in a form with personal details such as name, nationality and address on a registration form	Write clear, detailed text on a wider range of subjects related to matters of personal interest	Write clear, well-structured texts expressing detailed points of view in an assured, personal style
Write a postcard to express, for example, holiday greetings		Begin to write different kinds of texts (literary, summaries, letters, etc.)
Write a personal letter using the correct format	Write personal letters describing experiences and impressions
	Write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences
	Write with a good degree of grammatical accuracy, although there may be inconsistencies and errors
	Use a variety of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
	Write a simple essay or report, giving information or supporting a particular point of view

GRADE 9 – GRADE 10

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Write using a limited range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
Write short, simple notes and messages about aspects of everyday life
Fill in a form with personal details such as name, nationality and address
Write a simple personal letter, postcard or e-mail	Write letters describing experiences and impressions
Write simple paragraphs about routines in daily life, personal experiences and daily impressions	Express feelings such as grief, happiness, interest, regret or sympathy in a written form
Apply previously acquired grammatical structures to written work in a generally correct manner	Describe a sequence of events in a short text	Use language accurately, with some degree of sophistication, in a range of styles and situations
	Write simple essays or reports giving information or supporting a particular point of view	Expand upon and support points of view at some length and in depth
	Write simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest	Write reports, articles, essays or commentaries on literary and general-interest topics
		Structure ideas and arguments in a logical way and support them with relevant examples

GRADE 11 – GRADE 12

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Convey straightforward information clearly
Convey some simple concepts clearly
Organize key points into a basic writing plan	Organize ideas effectively
	Write a well-structured essay
Use language that is generally appropriate to the purpose and the audience	Use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and language structures	Use language accurately and with sophistication in a wide range of styles and situations
Incorporate personal attitudes competently	Use the appropriate language register in a range of text types	Show an appreciation of the technique and style employed by writers of the language
Provide some supporting detail for the key points	Clearly convey concepts, emotions and information, providing supporting details such as examples or justifications	Structure ideas and arguments in a logical and persuasive way, supporting them with precise and relevant examples
		Approach written work in a manner that reveals a personal response to literature and topics of general interest
	Write with a good degree of grammatical accuracy, even though there may be some inconsistencies and errors

5) CULTURAL AWARENESS

Students will demonstrate an awareness of, and sensitivity to, the culture(s) related to the language studied.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Sing songs from the target culture	Sing songs from the target culture	Sing songs from the target culture
Recite rhymes from the target culture	Recite rhymes from the target culture	Recite rhymes from the target culture
Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales	Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales	Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales
Play traditional games	Play traditional games	Play traditional games
Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations	Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations	Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations

GRADE 2 – GRADE 3

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Sing songs from the target culture	Sing songs from the target culture	Sing songs from the target culture
Recite rhymes from the target culture	Recite rhymes from the target culture	Recite rhymes from the target culture
Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales	Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales	Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales
Play traditional games	Play traditional games	Play traditional games
Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations	Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations	Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations
Distinguish between formal and informal modes of speech	Distinguish between formal and informal modes of speech	Distinguish between formal and informal modes of speech

GRADE 4 – GRADE 5

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Sing songs from the target culture	Sing songs from the target culture	Sing songs from the target culture
Recite children's poetry from the target culture	Recite children's poetry from the target culture	Recite children's poetry from the target culture
Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales	Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales	Appreciate traditional stories and fairy tales
Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations	Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations	Participate in age-appropriate cultural celebrations
Play traditional games	Play traditional games	Play traditional games
Begin to use formal and informal modes of speech appropriately	Begin to apply formal and informal modes of address and behaviour	Begin to apply formal and informal modes of address and behaviour
Be aware of the influence of the target culture throughout the world	Be aware of the influence of the target culture throughout the world	Be aware of the influence of the target culture throughout the world
Name some basic geographical features of the countries where the target language is spoken	Name some basic geographical features of the countries where the target language is spoken	Name some basic geographical features of the countries where the target language is spoken
Be aware of cultural institutions such as, school, family and national cuisine	Be aware of cultural institutions such as, school, family and national cuisine	Be aware of cultural institutions such as, school, family and national cuisine
Be exposed to different forms of literature and media from the target culture	Be exposed to different forms of literature and media from the target culture	Be exposed to different forms of literature and media from the target culture

GRADE 6 – GRADE 8

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Know age-appropriate songs, celebrations, stories and anecdotes based on the cultures of the target language	Be aware of age-appropriate cultural activities practiced in the target culture such as songs, celebrations, storytelling and role- playing	Be aware of age-appropriate cultural activities practiced in the target culture such as songs, celebrations, storytelling and role- playing
Be aware of basic cultural differences related to school, family and community	Be aware of cultural institutions such as school, family, community and typical dishes of the country	Be aware of cultural institutions such as school, family, community and typical dishes of the country
Discuss the cultural beliefs and perspectives of people in both the target culture and one's own	Be aware of cultural beliefs and perspectives of people in both the target culture and one's own as they relate to family, school, work and play	Be aware of cultural beliefs and perspectives of people in both the target culture and one's own as they relate to family, school, work and play
Name the countries in which the target language is spoken and know basic geographical facts	Be aware of geographical features of the target culture countries	Be aware of geographical features of the target culture countries
	Be aware of simple patterns of behaviour and interaction in various settings	Be aware of simple patterns of behaviour and interaction in various settings
		Sing songs from the target culture

GRADE 9 – GRADE 10

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Be aware of various age-appropriate cultural activities practiced in the target culture such as card games, board games, music and television	Be aware of various age-appropriate cultural activities practiced in the target culture such as card games, board games, music and television
Be aware of cultural traditions and celebrations that exist in the target culture and how they compare with those of one's own culture	Be aware of cultural traditions and celebrations that exist in the target culture and how they compare with those of one's own culture	Understand the connections between socially-approved behavioural patterns and cultural perspectives
Be aware of patterns of behaviour or interaction typical of one's age group (dating, telephone usage, using public transport) in the target culture	Be aware of patterns of behaviour or interaction typical of one's age group (dating, telephone usage, using public transport) in the target culture	Be aware of various patterns of behaviour or interaction that are typical of one's age group (extra curricular activities, social engagements)
Be aware of some historical and cultural figures and events from the target culture and their contributions	Be aware of some historical and cultural figures and events from the target culture and their contributions	Be aware of significant political, intellectual and cultural figures and how they shaped historical events and the target culture's perspectives
Know the location and major geographical features of countries where the target language is used	Know the location and major geographical features of countries where the target language is used
		Be aware of age-appropriate expressive forms of the target culture such as literature, popular books, periodicals, videos, music, art and theatre
		Understand and contrast the ways in which information on national and international events is reported in the target culture and one's own

GRADE 11 – GRADE 12

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Be aware of some historical and cultural figures and events from the target culture and their contributions	Be aware of most important traditions, beliefs as well as ways of life in the target culture
Be aware of various age-appropriate cultural activities practiced in the target culture such as card games, board games, music and television
Be aware of cultural traditions and celebrations that exist in the target culture and how they compare with those of one's own culture
Be aware of patterns of behaviour or interaction typical of one's age group (dating, telephone usage, using public transport) in the target culture
Know the location and major geographical features of countries where the target language is used
	Be aware of some historical and cultural figures and events as they apply to literary and thematic topics
		Be fully immersed in the culture related to the target language
		Be knowledgeable about historical events and social climate as they apply to literature and current events

6) RESEARCH SKILLS

Students will be able to research a topic in the target language.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
At this level, students have not yet acquired enough language to research a topic.	At this level, students have not yet acquired enough language to research a topic.	Find limited information on a familiar topic if the source materials are simply written and well illustrated

GRADE 2 – GRADE 3

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Use textbook or vocabulary list to define new words	Use textbook or vocabulary list to define new words	Use textbook or vocabulary list to define new words
	Find limited information on a familiar topic if the source materials are simply written and well illustrated	Find information on a familiar topic if the source materials are simply written and well illustrated
		Use a picture dictionary to look up new words

GRADE 4 – GRADE 5

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Use textbook or vocabulary list to define new words	Use textbook or vocabulary list to define new words	Use textbook or vocabulary list to define new words
Begin to use a bilingual dictionary to look up new words	Use a bilingual or illustrated dictionary to look up new words	Use a traditional or online dictionary to look up new words
Find limited information on a familiar topic if the source materials are simply written and well illustrated	Find limited information on a familiar topic if the source materials are simply written and well illustrated	Find information on a familiar topic if the source materials are simply written and well illustrated
		Take notes on a topic
		Use selected Internet sites to find information

GRADE 6 – GRADE 8

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Use basic tools such as simple dictionaries, grammatical reference books and on-line resources	Use basic tools such as simple dictionaries, grammatical reference books and on-line resources	Explore information sources with guidance, in the library and online
	Search a few short or long texts to locate specific information needed to complete a task	Quickly identify the content and relevance of new articles and reports to decide whether closer study is warranted
	Find and understand general information in everyday materials such as letters, brochures and short official documents
	Avoid plagiarism	Avoid plagiarism
		Prepare reports or research presentations that define a thesis or record important ideas
		Use the national style sheet format to cite sources

GRADE 9 – GRADE 10

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Use basic tools such as simple dictionaries, grammatical reference books and on-line resources	Use reference books and online resources on a regular basis
	Skim short or long texts to locate specific information needed to complete a task
	Find and understand general information in everyday materials such as letters, brochures and short official documents
	Avoid plagiarism	Avoid plagiarism
		Use the national style sheet format to cite sources
		Develop oral and written presentations with clear research questions and logical research strategies
		Prepare reports or research presentations that define a thesis, record important ideas, summarize relevant perspectives on the topic and develop personal ideas based on the research
		Identify ideas and genres (literary and non-literary) according to their cultural and historical context

GRADE 11 – GRADE 12

Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced
Use basic tools such as simple dictionaries, grammatical reference books and on-line resources	Use reference books and online resources on a regular basis	Investigate various research sources such as an encyclopedia, secondary literature, online resources, etc.
	Skim various texts to locate specific information needed to complete a task
	Find and understand general information in letters, brochures, official documents and the national press	Identify ideas and genres (literary and non-literary) according to their cultural and historical context
	Avoid plagiarism	Avoid Plagiarism
		Use the national style sheet format to cite sources
		Develop oral and written presentations with clear research questions and logical research strategies

Advanced